If you put it on top of the feeder make sure there are no vents in in around the rim if it is a open style feeder with out the flooats. Don't ask how I found that out. On the bright side only so many can drown before they create their own float :'(

how much space will you have between the feeder and the inner cover? I use a double quart jar feeder over the inner cover hole. Then I put a deep on and the outer cover. As a side not to that if you build your own add 1/8 hardware to the inside, so when you change feeder they don't come out all curious, ask me how I know.

The important thing is that bees can't get in the top of the top feeder. Many inner covers come with a notch and that can create a top entrance which can result in thousands of drowned bees. If it's notched, I would take it off.

It is notched but my feeder has the floats in it. Looks like a small super bees come up from the middle. Could prolly put the feeder on top of inner cover. Bees come through the hole in the cover. Shrug

The dual tank feeder I used to use was made of black plastic. It was hollow underneath. If I installed it without the inner cover under it my bees built comb in the hollow spaces.I just put the top cover on, it sealed well enough to keep bees out.

An inner cover below the Hive Top feeder can restrict bees going up to feed.

An Inner Cover above the Hive Top feeder can mold very quickly due to moisture.

Remove the Inner cover and place the Hive Top feeder in a shim you can make at home. drill a few holes in it and cover them with #8 Hardware cloth. This will let the moisture vent and keep mold from developing under the main cover.

Hers is mold forming on the main cover. You can wax it to seal it from moisture